FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: Portugal
(image via Associated Press)
As the world now turns its attention to the biggest tournament in football, we’ll begin previewing all the teams that will be in Houston this summer. Next up is Portugal, a nation led by an all-time great in what is likely his final tournament, and a roster full of other starts. Here’s a closer look at the roster, key storylines, and what to expect from the Portuguese heading into the competition.
Team Information
- FIFA Ranking: 5
- Confederation: UEFA
- Manager: Roberto Martinez
- Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
- Nickname: A Seleção das Quinas
- World Cup Appearance: 9th
- Best World Cup Finish: Third Place (1966)
How They Qualified
Germany competed in Group F of UEFA qualifying. They won their first three matches before drawing at home against Hungary and then losing to the Republic of Ireland. Portugal then dominated Armenia 9-1 in the final group stage match to seal the group win and their qualification.
Qualification Record
- Wins: 4
- Draws: 1
- Losses: 1
- Goals Scored: 20
- Goals Conceded: 7
Notable Qualifying Result
With their captain Cristiano Ronaldo suspended, Portugal went into the last day needed a win to make sure they finished top of the group and went straight to the World Cup. Even without Ronaldo, Portugal had no trouble with Armenia. Both Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves scored hat tricks in a 9-1 win.
Last Five Matches
- Portugal 2-2 Hungary (World Cup Qualification)
- Republic of Ireland 2-0 Portugal (World Cup Qualification)
- Portugal 9-1 Armenia (World Cup Qualification)
- Mexico 0-0 Portugal (Friendly)
- United States 0-2 Portugal (Friendly)
World Cup Roster
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP)
Defenders: Rúben Dias (Manchester City), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahçe), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomás Araújo (Benfica)
Midfielders: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Samú Costa (Mallorca)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), João Félix (Al-Nassr), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Gonçalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceição (Juventus)
Key Players
Cristiano Ronaldo — Forward, Al-Nassr
Even at 41-years-old, Ronaldo is still a global superstar and icon of the sport. He is coming off a title in the Saudi Pro LEague with Al-Nassr where he scored 28 goals. In what will be Ronaldo’s final World Cup, and record sixth appearance at the tournament, this could be his best chance to go all the way with this Portugal squad.
Bruno Fernandez — Midfielder, Manchester United
The Manchester United man is coming off one of the best seasons the Premier League has ever seen. Fernandes broke the record for assists in a season with 21 and was named Premier League Player of the Season. He'll turn 32-years-old later this year but Fernandes has never been in better form.
Nuno Mendes — Defender, Paris Saint-Germain
Nuno Mendes will turn 24-years-old during the tournament but he’s already, arguably, the best defender in the world. He’s playing for a second straight UEFA Champions League title this weekend with his club, Paris Saint-Germain, and he already has 43 caps for Portugal.
Young Player to Watch
Joao Neves — Midfielder, Paris Saint-Germain
Like Mendes, Neves is a star at PSG. At just 21-years-old, Neves will be an anchor for Portugal in his World Cup. He’ll likely pair with another PSG teammate, Vitinha, at the base of midfield. Neves is a player that can get do it all and is worth keeping an eye on as his stardom may reach even greater heights after this tournament.
Predicted Starting XI
Biggest Storyline
Any storyline with Portugal revolves around Ronaldo. He’s done it all and won it all in the sport, except lifting a World Cup trophy. Ronaldo’s teammates have talked about how they want to win this tournament for him to cap off his incredible career. Portugal are also playing for much more as they named former Liverpool striker Diogo Jota as their “27th player’ after he tragically died in a car crash last year.
One Reason They Can Make a Deep Run
The starpower in this team is through the roof. From Ronaldo, to Fernandes, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Mendes, Ruben Neves, and others, their roster is stacked with so much talent. With Ronaldo coming off a title-winning season and Fernandes in the form of his life, their offense should be prolific. Defensively, they are well-balanced with stout center backs and full backs that can join the attack, like Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes. Portugal are coming off their second Nations League title last year.
One Reason They Could Struggle
Ronaldo is 41. That’s just a fact. You wouldn’t put it past him, even at that age, to put this team on his back but if he can’t, Portugal could struggle. If Ronaldo goes down with an injury or isn’t as effective, can guys like Pedro Neto, Goncalo Guedes, and Joao Felix shoulder the scoring burden? Ronaldo has also been known to pull his diva act would could throw things off the rails. They’ve never reached the pinnacle that is winning a World Cup. Could that climb be too much for Portugal?
Best-Case Scenario
Champions
Likely Finish
Quarterfinals or Semifinals, depending on the knockout draw
Floor
Round of 32
Quick Facts
Most Caps in Squad: Cristiano Ronaldo - 226
Top Scorer in Squad: Cristiano Ronaldo - 143
Average Squad Age: 27.5 years old
Previous World Cup Finish: Eliminated in Quarterfinals in 2022
Final Thoughts
Portugal are the only team that will place twice in the Group Stage in Houston. Obviously, Ronaldo will get all the headlines from the media here in the Bayou City but this Portugal team is going to be fun to watch. They have world-class players at almost every position and this could be the year they make a run at lifting the World Cup for the first time in their history.
